Current Affairs - International

South Africa launched the innovative Rhisotope Project through the University of the Witwatersrand to tackle the persistent issue of rhino poaching. The initiative involves injecting small amounts of radioactive isotopes into rhino horns, making them traceable and less attractive to poachers and smugglers. The project is supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and was piloted on five rhinos at the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve. The use of radioisotopes not only allows for easier tracking of illicit wildlife trade but also introduces health and legal risks for traffickers, thereby creating a powerful deterrent against poaching.

India is set to host the WHO–IRCH Workshop on Herbal Medicine Safety and Regulations from August 6 to 8, 2025, in Ghaziabad. Organised by the Ministry of Ayush in collaboration with the World Health Organisation and supported by the Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H), the workshop will focus on global safety standards, regulations, and the integration of traditional medicine into public health systems. Delegates from several countries will attend in person and virtually. Key sessions will include hands-on training in herbal drug identification and safety assessments, with special focus on herbs like Ashwagandha and regulatory convergence across nations.

India and the Philippines have recently agreed to upgrade their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership. This development was marked by the adoption of a 2025–2029 Action Plan during a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The move signifies deepening cooperation across various sectors, including legal assistance, defence, trade, and coast guard operations. Additionally, the visit of President Marcos Jr. coincides with the celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, highlighting the long-standing and growing partnership.

India partnered with the United Nations to launch the Global Capacity Building Initiative aimed at supporting countries in the Global South to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The first tranche included four projects and was a collaborative effort between India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and various UN agencies. This initiative builds on India's long-standing ITEC programme, which already provides over 12,000 training slots to around 160 countries. By combining India’s developmental outreach with the UN’s global framework, the initiative aims to enhance technical and professional skills in developing countries, strengthening international cooperation and capacity-building efforts.

Hong Kong will implement the Stablecoins Ordinance starting August 1, 2025, in an effort to regulate the use and issuance of stablecoins within its jurisdiction. Stablecoins are a category of cryptocurrencies designed to maintain a stable value by being pegged to stable assets, such as foreign currencies. Unlike Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), which are issued and controlled by governments, stablecoins can be privately issued. With this ordinance, Hong Kong seeks to establish a legal framework to oversee the operations of stablecoins, ensuring financial stability, investor protection, and alignment with international standards in the evolving digital asset space.